Colorado Panel Tosses Lawmaker’s Traffic Stop Complaint

DENVER (AP/CBS4) — A legislative ethics committee dismissed a complaint against a Republican lawmaker over a controversial traffic stop that raised questions about drunk driving and preferential treatment of lawmakers.

A House panel decided Friday to drop the complaint because there was no evidence she used her position to influence police.

Collbran Rep. Laura Bradford’s traffic stop on Jan. 25 became media fodder because it raised questions about whether she received preferential treatment when Denver police suspected her of driving drunk. She was not cited for DUI.

But police later said they gave the false impression she used a state constitutional clause that prevents lawmakers from being detained during session.

Bradford’s attorney says the ethics complaint was meritless.

The ethics complaint has exposed a rocky relationship between Bradford and Republicans who supported the review.

In a statement, Bradford said, “I am happy that the Ethics Committee dismissed the complaint against me and I am ready to continue working on behalf of my constituents on the Western Slope.”